Top 20 Small Business Ideas to Start in India in 2026 Under Rs. 2 Lakh Investment

Explore 20 best small business ideas in India for 2026 with low investment. Start your venture with simple, profitable opportunities

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28 January 2026

India’s entrepreneurial landscape in 2026 offers strong opportunities for small businesses that need low to moderate investment. With the rapid growth of the digital economy, government support for startups, and changing consumer preferences, aspiring entrepreneurs can turn their skills and interests into profitable businesses. This guide highlights 20 promising small business ideas, ranging from online consulting and e-commerce reselling to sustainable products and virtual services. Many of these ideas can be started from home with minimal start-up costs. For businesses that need initial funding, a business loan can help provide the financial support needed to get started.

Why start a small business in India?

Starting a small business in India comes with many benefits:

Large and expanding market: Reach a wide customer base across different regions and income groups.
Easy entry: Many business ideas need little infrastructure and can be run online or from home.
Government support: Schemes such as Startup India, MSME loans, and Udyam registration make it easier to start and offer financial support.
Boosts the economy: Small businesses create jobs, encourage innovation, and support local and national growth.
Personal and financial independence: Run your own business, build long-term value, and work on something you are passionate about.

List of 20 Best Small Business Ideas in India to Start in 2026

Below is a carefully selected list of small business opportunities, grouped by sector, with essential details to help you decide what suits you best.

Digital & Online Services

These business ideas make the most of India’s growing digital reach and the rise of remote work.

Business Idea	Core Service	Ideal For	Startup Cost	Profit Potential
Digital Marketing Agency	SEO, social media management, and content marketing for businesses	Individuals with marketing skills	Rs. 70,000 – Rs. 2 lakh	High (recurring retainers)
Social Media Manager	Managing social media accounts, content creation, and engagement	Creative, trend-aware individuals	Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 50,000	High (monthly contracts)
Online Consulting	Remote advisory services (legal, business, career, etc.)	Experienced professionals	Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 1.5 lakh	Moderate to high
Virtual Assistance	Remote administrative, email, and calendar support	Organised multitaskers	Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 40,000	Moderate (scalable)

E-commerce & Retail

These ideas allow entrepreneurs to benefit from India’s fast-growing e-commerce market.

Business Idea	Core Service	Ideal For	Startup Cost	Profit Potential
E-commerce Reselling	Selling curated products on platforms like Amazon or Flipkart	Trend-focused sellers	Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 80,000	Moderate to high
Dropshipping Store	Running an online store without holding inventory	Digital marketers	Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 80,000	High (with effective marketing)
Handmade Craft Business	Selling handmade or customised products online	Creative artisans	Rs. 15,000 – Rs. 50,000	Moderate (high margins)
Eco-friendly Products Store	Selling sustainable and reusable products	Environment-conscious entrepreneurs	Rs. 50,000 – Rs. 1.5 lakh	High (growing demand)
Subscription Box Service	Monthly delivery of themed or curated products	Curators and hobbyists	Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 1 lakh	Moderate to high
On-demand Printing	Custom printing on T-shirts, mugs, and accessories	Designers and creatives	Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 1 lakh	Moderate

Health, Wellness & Personal Services

These businesses cater to the increasing focus on health, convenience, and personalised services.

Business Idea	Core Service	Ideal For	Startup Cost	Profit Potential
Health & Fitness Coaching	Online or offline fitness training	Certified fitness professionals	Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 1.2 lakh	High (package-based)
Virtual Fitness Trainer	Live or recorded online workout sessions	Tech-savvy trainers	Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 1 lakh	High (highly scalable)
Home-based Catering	Meal services for offices, events, or individuals	Skilled home cooks	Rs. 30,000 – Rs. 1 lakh	Moderate to high
Childcare Business	Home-based daycare services	Individuals who enjoy working with children	Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 75,000	High (especially in cities)

Skilled Technical & Professional Services

These ideas turn specialised skills or technical expertise into income-generating ventures.

Business Idea	Core Service	Ideal For	Startup Cost	Profit Potential
Mobile Repair Services	Repairing smartphones and tablets	Technically skilled individuals	Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 60,000	Moderate to high
Handyman Services	Home repair and maintenance work	DIY and repair experts	Rs. 40,000 – Rs. 1 lakh	High (steady demand)
Executive Assistant	Remote high-level administrative support	Highly organised professionals	Rs. 10,000 – Rs. 30,000	Moderate (retainer-based)
Grant Writer	Writing funding proposals for NGOs and startups	Research-focused writers	Rs. 20,000 – Rs. 50,000	Moderate (project-based)

Creative & Media Services

These businesses allow creative professionals to earn through digital and media-driven platforms.

Business Idea	Core Service	Ideal For	Startup Cost	Profit Potential
Photographer	Event, portrait, or product photography	Visually creative individuals	Rs. 1 – Rs. 2 lakh	High (premium services)
Voiceover Actor	Voice services for ads, audiobooks, and animations	Individuals with a distinct voice	Rs. 25,000 – Rs. 80,000	Moderate to high

1. Online consulting services

Have you ever considered transforming your expertise into a thriving online consulting business? With minimal overhead costs, online consulting services allow you to reach a broader audience and offer personalised advice in your specialised field. Venture into the digital realm, connect with clients globally and transform your knowledge into a lucrative business with online business ideas like these. Aspiring entrepreneurs can explore financing options like startup business loans to launch such ventures confidently.

Good for people who like: Sharing knowledge, flexible work schedules, remote work.
Requires: Expertise in a specific field, reliable internet connection, strong communication skills.
Target audience: Professionals, small business owners, or individuals seeking expert advice in your niche
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 (for website, branding, tools, and marketing)
How to start: Identify your niche, build a personal brand, create a website, list services, and start networking or running ads
Profit potential: Moderate to high, depending on your rates, reputation, and client base

2. Home-based catering

Spice up your entrepreneurial journey with home business ideas like catering. Utilise your culinary skills to cater to small events, and parties, or provide daily meal services from the comfort of your home. Combine your passion for cooking with a profitable home-based venture, serving delicious meals to delighted customers.

Good for people who like: Cooking, hospitality, creating unique dishes.
Requires: Culinary skills, kitchen space, basic cooking equipment.
Target audience: Local residents, office-goers, event organisers
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,00,000
How to start: Get the necessary food safety licenses, create a menu, set up a home kitchen, start marketing locally or via food delivery apps
Profit potential: Moderate to high, depending on order volume and catering size

3. E-commerce reselling

Dive into the world of e-commerce with a simple yet effective startup idea like reselling. Choose a niche, set up shop on popular platforms, and start reselling products, from fashion to electronics, with minimal investment. Join the thriving e-commerce ecosystem, tap into a vast customer base, and watch your startup flourish. Many resellers find MSME loan options beneficial for inventory and technology upgrades. Check your business loan eligibility to explore the financing options best suited for your startup.

Good for people who like: Online shopping, trend analysis, flexible work schedules.
Requires: Knowledge of e-commerce platforms, initial stock investment, marketing skills.
Target audience: Online shoppers, trend-conscious consumers, bargain hunters
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 80,000. You can explore funding with an e-commerce business loan to manage inventory and setup costs
How to start: Register on marketplaces like Amazon or Flipkart, select a niche, source products, create listings, and begin selling
Profit potential: Moderate to high, based on volume and niche profitability

4. Digital marketing agency

Harness the power of the digital age by starting your digital marketing agency. Businesses are seeking effective online strategies; your skills in social media, SEO, or content creation can be in high demand. Help businesses boost their online presence while building a successful digital marketing agency from the ground up.

Good for people who like: Marketing, analytics, creative strategy.
Requires: Marketing expertise, digital tools, client management skills.
Target audience: Startups, small businesses, influencers, e-commerce brands
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 70,000 to Rs. 2,00,000
How to start: Set up a website, build a portfolio, pitch to small businesses, run ads and network on LinkedIn
Profit potential: High, with recurring retainers and diverse service offerings

5. Mobile repairing services

Turn your technical skills into a thriving business with mobile repairing services. With basic tools and a small investment, you can offer mobile repair services, addressing the growing demand for smartphone repairs. Provide a valuable service to your community while building a low-investment and high-reward startup. If you're self-employed and need extra working capital, a personal loan for self employed can be a flexible option.

Good for people who like: Technical tasks, problem-solving, hands-on work.
Requires: Technical knowledge, repair tools, customer service skills.
Target audience: Mobile phone users, students, working professionals, local residents
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 60,000
How to start: Get trained in repair techniques, invest in tools and a workbench, start from home or set up a stall
Profit potential: Moderate to high depending on repair volume and referrals

6. Health and fitness coaching

Combine your passion for health with a rewarding business - health and fitness coaching. Offer online fitness classes or personalised coaching sessions, promoting a healthy lifestyle while earning income. Inspire others on their fitness journey while building a home-based business centered on well-being. If expansion or equipment purchase is on your mind, consider exploring a secured business loan for lower interest rates and higher loan amounts.

Good for people who like: Fitness, motivating others, healthy living.
Requires: Fitness certifications, training equipment, online presence.
Target audience: Fitness enthusiasts, people seeking weight loss, professionals with sedentary lifestyles
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,20,000
How to start: Get certified, set up a home studio or go virtual, market on social media, run free trial classes to attract clients
Profit potential: High, especially for niche coaching and group sessions

7. Handmade craft business

Unleash your creativity and start a handmade craft business. Whether it is jewellery, home decor, or clothing, the market for handmade products is booming, providing a low-investment entry into entrepreneurship. Showcase your artistic talents, reach a wide audience, and turn your handmade creations into a profitable business.

Good for people who like: Arts and crafts, creative expression, DIY projects.
Requires: Craft supplies, creative skills, online or local sales channels.
Target audience: Art lovers, gift shoppers, eco-conscious customers
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 50,000
How to start: Choose your craft category, set up an Instagram or Etsy shop, attend local exhibitions or tie up with boutiques
Profit potential: Moderate, with potential to grow through custom orders and online visibility

8. Virtual assistance services

Embrace the remote work trend by offering virtual assistance services. Entrepreneurs and businesses often need remote support; tap into this demand by providing administrative or social media management services. Run a home-based business while assisting others in their business operations, all from the virtual realm.

Good for people who like: Organization, multitasking, administrative work.
Requires: Computer skills, time management, communication tools.
Target audience: Entrepreneurs, remote startups, solopreneurs, coaches
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000
How to start: Create a service list, set up LinkedIn or Fiverr profiles, pitch to small business owners and freelancers
Profit potential: Moderate, with potential for monthly retainers and referrals

9. Eco-friendly products store

Join the sustainability movement with an eco-friendly products store. Cater to the rising demand for environmentally friendly items, from reusable bags to organic cosmetics, with a small-scale business. Make a positive impact on the planet while building a business with a focus on sustainability.

Good for people who like: Environmental causes, sustainable living, selling unique products.
Requires: Sourcing eco-friendly items, marketing skills, awareness of sustainability trends.
Target audience: Eco-conscious consumers, health-focused families, gifting audience
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 50,000 to Rs. 1,50,000
How to start: Source vendors, build a Shopify or Instagram storefront, create engaging content about product benefits
Profit potential: High, especially if products stand out and you build a strong niche following

10. Subscription box services

Unbox success with a subscription box service. Curate and deliver unique products to customers' doorsteps, offering a personalised and convenient shopping experience. Launch a startup with less investment, delighting customers with carefully curated subscription boxes.

Good for people who like: Curation, product discovery, niche markets.
Requires: Supplier connections, packaging materials, customer engagement skills.
Target audience: Hobbyists, niche collectors, gifting customers
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,00,000
How to start: Choose a theme, curate 3–5 products per box, launch a monthly plan via social media or your own website
Profit potential: Moderate to high, based on subscriber retention and volume

11. Childcare Business

With more parents working full time, starting a home-based childcare business is a valuable service. By offering a safe, nurturing environment, you help working families while building a business with low startup costs. Promoting your services locally can help attract your first clients.

Good for people who like: Working with children, early education, home-based businesses
Requires: Basic childcare training, safety knowledge, registration with local child welfare bodies
Target audience: Working parents, young families, single-parent households
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 75,000
How to start: Ensure safety measures, get certified, start with referrals from your network and local listings
Profit potential: High in residential areas or near office hubs

12. Virtual Fitness Trainer

As online fitness gains popularity, certified trainers can lead virtual sessions from home. From yoga and Zumba to HIIT, there’s a wide range of formats. You can reach clients through platforms like Zoom and YouTube while building a strong presence on social media.

Good for people who like: Fitness, wellness, coaching, digital platforms
Requires: Fitness certification, online teaching setup, knowledge of exercise routines
Target audience: Fitness enthusiasts, home workout clients, professionals with limited time
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 30,000 to Rs. 1,00,000
How to start: Get certified, choose your niche (e.g., yoga or HIIT), market through social media and wellness groups
Profit potential: High, especially with group sessions and one-on-one coaching packages

13. Executive Assistant

Startups and entrepreneurs often seek virtual help for managing day-to-day tasks. As a remote executive assistant, you’ll handle scheduling, communication, and admin duties. It's a great business idea for organised, detail-oriented professionals.

Good for people who like: Administrative work, planning, virtual collaboration
Requires: Communication skills, time management, basic tech proficiency
Target audience: Founders, startup CEOs, consultants
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 30,000
How to start: Build a professional profile, register on freelancing platforms, promote services on LinkedIn
Profit potential: Moderate, with potential for monthly retainers from multiple clients

14. Handyman Services

If you're good at home repairs or fixing things, a handyman business can be both flexible and profitable. There's consistent demand for services like plumbing, carpentry, and minor electrical work in both homes and offices.

Good for people who like: DIY repairs, hands-on work, flexible schedules
Requires: Basic tools, repair skills, service-based pricing knowledge
Target audience: Homeowners, offices, landlords, tenants
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,00,000
How to start: List services locally, use WhatsApp or Justdial for outreach, collect reviews for word-of-mouth growth
Profit potential: High, especially in urban areas with regular repair needs

15. Voiceover Actor

Use your voice to bring scripts to life in ads, animations, audiobooks, and more. Voiceover work can be done from home with minimal equipment and offers creative flexibility for those with a passion for vocal expression.

Good for people who like: Performing arts, voice modulation, creative work
Requires: Clear diction, basic sound recording setup, voiceover training
Target audience: Content creators, ad agencies, audiobook publishers
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 80,000
How to start: Build a voice demo reel, join voiceover platforms, network with media professionals
Profit potential: Moderate to high, depending on gigs and repeat clients

16. Grant Writer

Grant writing is ideal for those who enjoy research and storytelling. Non-profits and educational organisations often hire writers to craft proposals that help them secure funding from government or private sources.

Good for people who like: Writing, research, cause-driven work
Requires: Proposal writing skills, attention to detail, understanding of donor expectations
Target audience: NGOs, universities, non-profits, social entrepreneurs
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000
How to start: Learn grant formats, build sample proposals, register on freelancing and funding networks
Profit potential: Moderate, can grow with long-term nonprofit partnerships

17. Photographer

Turn your photography skills into a business by offering portrait, event, or product shoots. With social media and a good portfolio, you can attract clients and grow steadily. You can work from home or travel to locations.

Good for people who like: Visual storytelling, creativity, working independently
Requires: Camera equipment, editing software, basic marketing knowledge
Target audience: Event organisers, families, businesses, e-commerce brands
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 1,00,000 to Rs. 2,00,000
How to start: Build a niche (e.g., weddings or product shoots), create an Instagram portfolio, offer discounted shoots to gain traction
Profit potential: High, especially with bookings for weddings and commercial work

18. Dropshipping Store Owner

Start an online store without holding inventory. With dropshipping, suppliers ship products directly to your customers. You manage the website, customer service, and marketing while keeping startup costs low.

Good for people who like: E-commerce, digital marketing, passive income
Requires: Website platform, supplier network, product niche strategy
Target audience: Online shoppers, price-sensitive buyers, niche hobbyists
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 80,000
How to start: Choose a niche, set up a Shopify store, connect with dropshipping suppliers, run social media ads
Profit potential: High, if marketing is optimised and niche is scalable

19. On-Demand Printing Service

Offer customised items like T-shirts, mugs, or posters using a print-on-demand model. You create designs, and your print partner handles production and shipping, making it ideal for creatives.

Good for people who like: Design, personalisation, online retail
Requires: Design software, vendor tie-ups, marketing and sales focus
Target audience: Gifting customers, small businesses, college students
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 40,000 to Rs. 1,00,000
How to start: Choose a POD platform, create designs, launch on marketplaces or a website
Profit potential: Moderate, can grow steadily with seasonal promotions and custom orders

20. Social Media Manager

Help businesses grow online by managing their social media channels. You’ll create content, schedule posts, and analyse engagement metrics. It’s perfect for creative thinkers who enjoy staying ahead of trends.

Good for people who like: Digital content, marketing, audience engagement
Requires: Social media tools, content planning, and analytics skills
Target audience: Small businesses, solopreneurs, influencers
Startup cost estimate: Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 50,000
How to start: Build a sample portfolio, pitch to small brands, manage 2–3 clients to start
Profit potential: High, especially with monthly retainers and long-term clients

5-Step Roadmap to Start Your Small Business

Starting a small business today is both exciting and achievable. Here’s how you can get started:

Validate and plan: Research your chosen idea thoroughly. Study competitors, define your unique selling point (USP), and create a simple business plan that outlines your target audience, marketing approach, and financial estimates.

Set up legal and financial basics: Select the right business structure, such as a proprietorship or LLP, complete Udyam/MSME registration, and open a separate business bank account. Check your pre-approved business loan offer to understand available funding for inventory, equipment, or marketing needs.

Build your brand and online presence: Choose a strong business name, design a logo, and set up a basic website or social media profile to establish your digital presence.

Launch and attract early customers: Start on a small scale, offer introductory deals, use personal networks, and apply targeted digital marketing to acquire your first few customers. Early feedback will help refine your offering.

Systemise and grow: Standardise processes, invest in essential tools like accounting and inventory software, and focus on customer satisfaction to drive referrals. Reinvest profits to support steady growth.

How a business loan can help in starting a small business

A business loan can help you start a small business in India by providing funds for essential needs such as buying equipment, renting a shop, purchasing raw materials, or managing initial marketing expenses. Before applying, it is important to check your business loan eligibility to understand how much funding you can access. You should also compare the business loan interest rate offered by banks and NBFCs to choose an affordable option. Using a business loan wisely helps maintain cash flow, reduces financial pressure, and allows you to focus on growing your business while following Indian rules and regulations.

Steps to apply for business loan to start small business

Starting a small business often requires upfront funds for setup, equipment, and daily operations. A small business loan can provide the financial support needed to turn an idea into a working venture without putting pressure on personal savings. To plan repayments better, entrepreneurs can use a business loan EMI calculator to estimate monthly instalments and choose a loan that fits their budget comfortably.

Here are the steps to apply for a business loan to start your small business:

Click the ‘APPLY’ button on this page.
Enter your 10-digit mobile number and verify it with the OTP.
Fill in the application form with your personal and business details.
Click ‘CONTINUE’ after filling the form.
Enter your bank details to complete the process.
Complete your KYC.
Submit your application for processing.

Conclusion

The ideas shared show that success in 2026 is less about having huge capital and more about spotting a real need, using your skills, and being consistent. The Indian market offers many opportunities for those willing to take the first step.

Start by picking one idea that matches your skills and passion. Do your research, make a simple plan, and take action. Remember, every big business started small.

Want to bring your entrepreneurial dream to life? Check your eligibility and see how a customised business loan can give you the financial support to start or grow your small business into a successful venture.

Explore Business Loan Options for Small Businesses

Business Loan Options for Small Businesses
Business Loan of Rs. 2 Lakh	Business Loan of Rs. 3 Lakh
Business Loan of Rs. 5 Lakh	Business Loan of Rs. 10 Lakh

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Frequently asked questions

The best business to start today is dependent on several factors such as your skills, experience, interests, and market demand. However, some businesses that have shown resilience amid the pandemic are e-commerce, online education and training, healthcare services, home delivery services, and renewable energy businesses.

You can start several low-investment businesses under Rs. 1 lakh, such as handmade crafts, digital marketing services, tuition classes, home-based food services, or reselling products online. These options require minimal setup costs and offer good potential for growth.

Yes, you can start a small business from home with little investment. Many people run businesses like freelancing, online selling, baking, or tuition classes from home. It saves on rental costs and allows flexibility in operations.

Depending on your business type, you may need GST registration, Udyam (MSME) registration, FSSAI licence (for food businesses), or a local shop and establishment certificate. It’s important to check which ones apply to your specific business.

Trending ideas include eco-friendly product sales, digital content creation, online coaching, health and wellness services, custom merchandise printing, and tech repair services. These sectors are growing rapidly and offer strong future potential.

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